In March, Parsons stepped down from Citigroup's board after 16 years, closing a chapter that included the company's near-death experience during the financial crisis.

The 64-year-old is a member of the Council on Jobs and Competitiveness for the US Office of the President, senior adviser to the private-equity investment firm Providence Equity Partners and serves on the boards of Estee Lauder and Madison Square Garden Company.

Lazard reported in April its first-quarter profit fell 54% on costs tied to cutting staff, while its 11% net revenue easily topped expectations on stronger demand for deal-making advice.